Finding the right ballet shoes as an adult dancer in New Zealand can feel surprisingly involved. Whether you're returning to ballet after years away, starting for the very first time, or dancing regularly at a studio, the fit and style of your ballet shoes genuinely affects how you move, progress and feel in class. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we've helped thousands of dancers find their perfect pair, and we ship tracked to New Zealand so you can shop our full range from wherever you are in Aotearoa.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: the key differences between shoe styles, how to get your sizing right when ordering online, which materials suit different dancers, and what to expect when your order ships from our Melbourne warehouse.
Split-Sole vs Full-Sole: Which Ballet Shoe Is Right for You?
The single biggest decision you'll make when choosing adult ballet shoes is whether to go split-sole or full-sole. Both styles have genuine merit, and the right choice depends on your experience level, your teacher's preference, and what you want to achieve in class.
Full-Sole Ballet Shoes
A full-sole shoe has a continuous sole running the entire length of the foot. Because the sole provides gentle resistance when you point your foot, it strengthens the intrinsic foot muscles over time. This is why full-sole shoes are widely recommended for beginners and younger students whose feet are still developing strength and technique.
For adults returning to ballet or starting fresh, full-sole shoes offer a supportive, structured feel that helps you build proper foot articulation from the ground up. The Lily - Full Sole Leather Ballet Shoe - Childs is a classic choice in this category, crafted from leather for durability and a clean, professional look in class.
The Hanami - Leather Ballet Shoe - Childs and Hanami - Leather Ballet Shoe - Adult - Light Pink are also worth considering if you're after a full-sole option with a refined fit. The Hanami range is known for its pre-arched sole and elasticised drawstring, which hugs the foot beautifully from the very first wear.
Split-Sole Ballet Shoes
A split-sole shoe has two separate sections of sole: one under the heel and one under the ball of the foot, with a flexible, often canvas or suede section in the arch. This design allows the shoe to follow the natural curve of your foot much more closely when you point, giving you a longer, more articulated line through the arch.
Most intermediate and advanced adult dancers prefer the split-sole style because it shows off their footwork, feels more responsive, and moves with the foot rather than against it. If your teacher has signed off on split-sole shoes, or if you have reasonable strength and technique in your feet already, this style is an excellent choice.
The Juliet Leather Split Sole - Adults is a popular option for adult dancers seeking that sleek, form-fitting feel. For students who are slightly younger or need a narrower fit, the Juliet Leather Split-Sole - Childs may actually size-convert into adult territory depending on foot length. It's always worth checking the size chart. If you'd like to explore how two leading brands compare across both sole styles, this detailed look at Bloch versus Capezio ballet shoes is a great place to start.
The Hanami Leather Ballet Shoes - Adults - Black rounds out our split-sole adult range with a versatile black colourway, perfect for students whose studio requires darker shoes or who simply prefer a black shoe for contemporary-influenced ballet classes.
How to Get Your Sizing Right When Ordering Online
Sizing ballet shoes is one area where getting it right matters enormously, and it's also where online shoppers understandably feel the most uncertainty. Here are the key principles to follow.
Measure Your Foot Length in Centimetres
Street shoe size is not a reliable guide for ballet shoes. Brands size differently, styles size differently, and materials behave differently. Always measure your foot length in centimetres by standing on a piece of paper and marking the longest point of your heel and the tip of your longest toe. Use that measurement against the specific size chart for the shoe you're considering.
Understand That Ballet Shoes Are Worn Close-Fitting
A correctly fitted ballet shoe should feel snug, with little to no excess fabric at the toe box. There should be no bunching across the top of the foot and no gaping at the heel. Unlike street shoes, there is no growing room factored in. If you are between sizes, the general rule is to size down for leather (which stretches with wear) and to size up slightly for canvas (which does not stretch).
Check for Drawstring and Elastic Placement
Most adult ballet shoes include a drawstring at the throat that you can tighten for a cleaner, more secure fit. Elastic is either pre-attached or needs to be sewn on. If your shoes arrive without elastic already attached, your dance teacher or a local seamstress can advise on the best placement for your foot shape.
Don't Forget Ribbons
If you plan to tie your ballet shoes with ribbons (required for many RAD and CECCHETTI syllabi), you'll want to pick up Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon or Ballet Shoe Ribbon when you order. These are a small addition that makes a big difference to the finished look in class and on stage. For more detailed sizing guidance specific to the New Zealand market, our ballet shoes NZ buying guide covers fit by experience level in even more depth.
Leather vs Canvas: Choosing the Right Material
Beyond sole style, the upper material of your ballet shoe affects durability, fit and appearance.
Leather Ballet Shoes
Leather is the traditional choice and for good reason. It molds to the shape of your foot over time, is easy to clean with a damp cloth, and holds up well to regular class use. It also tends to look neater for longer. The Juliet and Hanami ranges from our collection are all leather, making them a reliable choice for students dancing multiple times per week.
Leather shoes do require a brief break-in period. They can feel slightly stiff at first but soften quickly with wear. To ease any discomfort during this stage, a small amount of Lambswool can be tucked inside the toe box to pad sensitive areas.
Canvas Ballet Shoes
Canvas shoes are lighter, more breathable, and tend to fit like a glove straight out of the box without a break-in period. They are also generally more affordable. The trade-off is that canvas does not mold to the foot the way leather does, and canvas shows wear more quickly. Canvas is a great option for recreational adult dancers or those on a budget, though for this guide our featured products focus on the leather range.
Caring for Your Ballet Shoes
Adult ballet shoes worn regularly need a little care to last. After class, always remove your shoes and allow them to air out before putting them back in your dance bag. A Waterproof Bag is a handy addition to your kit for keeping wet or worn items separate from clean dancewear.
Leather shoes can be lightly wiped down with a damp cloth to remove chalk marks from the floor. Avoid soaking them in water. Store your shoes flat or in their original bag rather than scrunched at the bottom of your dance kit.
Ordering Adult Ballet Shoes from Australia to NZ: What to Expect
Total Dance is based in Melbourne, Australia, and we ship all orders tracked to New Zealand. Here's what New Zealand shoppers need to know before placing an order.
- Shipping time: Orders ship from our Melbourne warehouse and arrive in 5 to 10 business days.
- Tracked delivery: All New Zealand orders are sent with tracking so you can follow your parcel from dispatch to your door.
- Free shipping: Enjoy free tracked shipping on orders over NZ$140.
- Pricing: All prices on our website are displayed in Australian dollars at checkout. Your bank will convert to NZD at the current exchange rate. We recommend checking the rate before ordering so there are no surprises.
- Returns: If your shoes don't fit, please refer to our returns policy on the website for full details on how to exchange or return.
If you're unsure whether to order the split-sole or traditional style, our detailed comparison of ballet crossover shoes versus traditional ballet shoes explains the key differences and helps you work out which style suits your needs before you buy.
Ready to find your perfect pair? Browse our full range of ballet shoes for adults and children and use the filters to narrow down by size, style and material.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between adult and child sizing in ballet shoes?
Adult ballet shoes are cut wider and longer to accommodate a fully developed foot. Child sizes follow a different scale entirely. In some brands, the largest child sizes can overlap with the smallest adult sizes in terms of foot length, but the width and overall shape of the shoe differ. Always check the specific size chart for the style you're ordering, and measure your foot in centimetres rather than relying on your street shoe size.
Should beginner adult dancers choose full-sole or split-sole shoes?
Most ballet teachers recommend full-sole shoes for beginners, including adult beginners, because the resistance of the full sole helps build foot strength and encourages correct technique. Once your teacher feels you have adequate foot strength and control, you can transition to a split-sole shoe. If you are unsure, ask your teacher before ordering.
How long will it take to receive my order in New Zealand?
Orders ship tracked from our Melbourne warehouse and typically arrive in New Zealand within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive tracking information once your order has been dispatched so you can monitor its progress.
Do I need to sew elastic onto my adult ballet shoes?
This depends on the style. Some shoes come with elastic pre-attached, while others require you to sew it on yourself. Your teacher can advise on the correct placement for your foot shape. If you are unsure, most dance studios or local seamstresses can help. Ribbons, if required, also need to be sewn on and are available separately, including our Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon and Ballet Shoe Ribbon options.
